“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth” John 9:1.
A blind man was walking with his cane when someone bumped into him. The blind man swung his cane and asked: “Why you don’t look where you going?”
The controversy associated with the healing of the man born blind, and his eventual excommunication from the Synagogue, as opposed to his receiving shouts of “hallelujah”, is one of the most captivating narratives in the gospels. This gripping, but painfully real story depicts the enduring struggle within the community of faith between those whose eyes are open to new ideas and experiences of God and those who eyes remain closed to what God is doing. There is also the demonstration of God’s love for those who are “differently able”.
This incident may have occurred in the precincts of the Temple, where beggars habitually gathered. Rather than supporting the view that this man’s impairment was linked to sin, however, Jesus said it provided an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and work.
This narrative points to the fact that every human being, irrespective of abilities or disabilities, is a subject of God’s love and a recipient of God’s grace (v.3). Also, one must never be too busy to make time for those who are differently able (v. 1). Also, we must seize the opportunities, and do what needs to be done, whenever the occasion presents itself. Jesus said: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work” (vv.4-5).
Many among us are differently able, but we are all members of the human family, and every able-bodied individual must do whatever is requisite and necessary to enhance the well-being and welfare of those who are differently able. This does not necessarily mean giving persons cash or kind. Sometimes we just need to be there for others.
The Ministry of Presence, even for the differently able, can be redemptive and reassuring. While playing in a friendly football match in Germany in 1979, I was temporarily impaired after being struck in my eye by the ball. In pain, and unable to open my eye, I lay on my bed while my Irish team-mates and the young German people were having a barbecue downstairs. Sitting beside my bed, in absolute silence, was a young lady from Germany. She made time for me and just sat there.
Those who are differently able are 100% human. We must try desperately to avoid being the kind of people who “see and avoid”, like the priests and Levite on the Jericho Road, but instead, seek to be like the Samaritan who did not miss the opportunity to show love and respect. Steps should be taken to ensure that churches, schools, homes, offices and other business places facilitate the participation of everyone. Jesus cared, and still cares, for everyone, and so should we.
As Charles Wesley wrote:
Thought : We are all different.
Those who are differently able are 100% human. We must try desperately to avoid being the kind of people who “see and avoid”, like the priests and Levite on the Jericho Road, but instead, seek to be like the Samaritan who did not miss the opportunity to show love and respect. Steps should be taken to ensure that churches, schools, homes, offices and other business places facilitate the participation of everyone. Jesus cared, and still cares, for everyone, and so should we.
As Charles Wesley wrote:
“Help us to help each other Lord
Each other’s cross to bear.”
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